'Promote Ireland' Programme Announced For St Patrick's Day

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, has announced the 'Promote Ireland' programme of international events marking St Patrick's Day 2017.

The programme will see the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and 27 Ministers taking part in over 100 business events and high-level political meetings in 27 countries. Delivering an intensive programme of ministerial-led trade missions is a key commitment in the Government's Action Plan for Jobs.

Announcing the programme the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD said: "The St. Patrick's Day period is a time to renew the important links between Ireland and the global Irish abroad. From Asia to the Americas, we come together each St Patrick's Day to share in the pride and memory of our common heritage and affinity.

"This year will see the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and 27 Ministers and Ministers of State undertake intensive programmes involving over 50 cities in 27 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East for a truly global celebration of Ireland. The greening of landmarks is proving ever more popular as each site acts like a beacon, celebrating our National Day.

"St. Patrick's Day provides Ireland with both an international platform to deliver our strategic messages as well as access to key political and business contacts in leading markets around the world. This year St. Patrick's Day falls in a month of critical importance, with the expected triggering of Article 50 by the UK and the beginning of its formal negotiations to leave the EU. It is essential that Irish Ministers continue to highlight Ireland's priorities to Member State governments throughout Europe, building on the important work that has already taken place. We will also be spreading the message beyond Europe's borders that Ireland is remaining in the EU and it remains a very attractive destination for investment and trade, for study and for tourism. We are also working hard to deepen our market penetration in European markets."

Also commenting on the programme of events, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O'Connor said: "This programme of international events, which includes a significant number of business and trade elements is all important in consolidating relationships with existing companies and seeking out new markets. This year in particular we have important messaging: that Ireland is open for business, that we offer a strong value proposition and that here in Ireland you will be in good company; with the many globally recognised companies that have chosen to locate here. I look forward to flying the flag for Ireland."

Julie Sinnamon, CEO of Enterprise Ireland added: "As the UK takes a step closer to triggering article 50, it is imperative that Irish companies build new and stronger trade links in international markets. The St. Patricks Day event schedule aims to open doors for Irish companies and create opportunities to start negotiations and win significant business contracts in overseas markets. Complementing the schedule announced today, Enterprise Ireland, as part of the 2017-2020 strategy to support Irish companies to build scale and expand reach, will publish a wider trade and events programme in the coming weeks which further aims to target key industry sectors in high potential growth markets."

(MH/CD)